VACUUM AND ATMOSPHERE SERVICES - Key Persons
Aaron has completed more than 10 years with the company, having joined in 2012 to work in sales and marketing for the business.
He was appointed to the role of Head of Vacuum Products in 2021. Prior to this, he had worked on the shop floor, as well as building experience in the stores, customer service, marketing and sales.
Aaron draws upon a range of qualifications, including a Chartered Institute of Marketing Professional Certificate in Marketing.
Aaron enjoys working with the variety of customers who use VAS. He says: "I take the time to get to know them so that we can provide excellent service."
In the latest edition of Meet the Team we speak to VAS Head of Vacuum Products, Aaron Long who joined the business in 2012.
When did you join the business?
My dad is Managing Director Mike Long so I've grown up with VAS. Officially, I joined the business in 2012, although I spent many school holidays prior to that taking on various roles. I've worked on the shop floor, stores, customer service, marketing and sales and now where I am today as Head of Vacuum Products.
What do you enjoy about working for VAS?
I enjoy getting out and about meeting customers. All are different; in their needs and sector so each interaction is unique. We have customers in the medical sector, military aircraft manufacturers and even a customer that builds Formula One and performance car gear boxes. No customer or day is the same.
Job Titles:
- Aftersales Manager
- SPARE PARTS LEAD
Adam is responsible for the growing spare parts arm of Vacuum & Atmosphere Services Ltd, serving clients across the UK and internationally.
Having joined the company in 2016, he works with colleagues across the business to meet customer needs and deliver projects.
Aftersales manager Adam Walker talks about the positive environment working at VAS and the rewards received from working hard.
Job Titles:
- Safety Manager
- QUALITY & HEALTH & SAFETY MANAGER
In 2020 Andy Nisbet joined Vacuum & Atmosphere Services in the newly created role of Quality & Health & Safety Manager.
Job Titles:
- HEAD of ATMOSPHERE PRODUCTS
Greg has been in the role of Head of Atmosphere Products since 2021, having previously worked as After Market Parts Controller from 2015 onwards.
He joined in 2015 in the stores and goods in, before progressing to After Market Sales Manager.
He leads sales on the atmosphere side of the business, which includes air ovens and atmosphere furnaces plus the spare parts. The other areas he covers include burner systems and seal quench furnaces.
Away from work, he helps run a football team. As assistant manager he helped the side achieve promotion in their first season under a new management team.
Greg Walker has been with Vacuum & Atmosphere Services since 2015, progressing to his current position as Head of Atmosphere Products.
Ian has notched up more than 20 years with Vacuum & Atmosphere Services Ltd having joined the business in 2001.
Ian is responsible for financial planning and strategy, reporting on financial performance, developing and implementing accounting policies and preparing forecasts and comprehensive budgets.
He has been a director of the company since 2001.
Job Titles:
- Control Engineer
- VACUUM SERVICE MANAGER
- VAS Vacuum Service Manager
James has been Vacuum Service Manager since September 2021, having previously held the position of Controls System Manager.
He has a degree from Aston University in BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, which he achieved before building up experience working as a control engineer and in electrical maintenance.
James joined the business in 2017 as a control engineer with a background in automation.
In 2020 he was promoted to control systems manager and at the start of 2022 he became vacuum service manager.
In the latest edition of Meet the Team we speak to VAS Vacuum Service Manager James Long about his work with the company.
Mark has been part of the Vacuum & Atmosphere Services team since 2012, drawing upon wide experience from working in the heat treatment and furnace sectors.
His main responsibilities are around the VAS aftermarket services and overseeing the parts department. He assists the service department in general and looks after internal and external company invoicing.
He also supports the sales department, colleagues in the workshop and anyone going to visit clients.
Prior to joining VAS, he spent 11 years at Ipsen International, based in Birmingham, where he ended up as UK and Ireland sales manager, giving him a strong understanding of the sector.
Mark Smith has been with Vacuum & Atmosphere Services since 2012, progressing to his current position as Operations & Aftermarket Manager. He talks about the appeal of working for the company and the team effort that makes a difference.
MIKE LONG - Managing Director
Job Titles:
- MANAGING DIRECTOR
- Product Manager for Ipsen Abar UK
A director of Vacuum & Atmosphere Services since 2000, Mike brings a wealth of experience in the heat treatment sector to his role leading the business forward.
Having worked as a vaccum product manager for Ipsen Abar UK, Mike is highly knowledgeable of the industry, making him a "go to" figure among peers and clients alike.
Under Mike's leadership, the company has progressed to offer the full service package to the heat treatment industry, from bespoke new furnaces to spare parts. Renowned as being a trusted engineering company run by engineers, VAS is expanding its products and services for clients in the UK and abroad.
An active member of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce platinum group on behalf of VAS, Mike is keen to promote the region's industrial businesses.
Job Titles:
- Vacuum & Atmosphere Services Engineer
Nick has been part of the Vacuum & Atmosphere Services team since 2001, offering extensive experience in manufacturing and engineering.
Experienced in manufacturing, engineering and implementing strategies to bring continuous improvement, Nick has been a director of the company since 2001.
Job Titles:
- SERVICE ENGINEER
- Director of Vacuum & Atmosphere Services Ltd
Drawing upon extensive working knowledge of the heat treatment sector, Paul has been a director of Vacuum & Atmosphere Services Ltd since 2001.
Paul has played a leading role as VAS has expanded rapidly, not only employing service engineers but also a team of in-house industry experts to manage the spare parts, after market, sales department and finance department.